Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris in the US polls. Learn more about their support and what it means for the upcoming election.
Kamala Harris has received the anticipated yet essential endorsement from the nation’s two most beloved Democrats – former President Barack Obama and ex-First Lady Michelle Obama – for her presidential campaign.
On Friday, it was announced in a video that Harris had received the endorsement from the former first couple during a joint phone call. This backing serves as additional fuel to her campaign, solidifying her position as their party’s presumed nominee following President Joe Biden withdrawing his reelection bid and supporting his deputy over Republican rival and previous president Donald Trump.
In addition, it underscores the bond of friendship and potentially groundbreaking connection between the initial Black president of the nation and its first-ever female vice president who also happens to be a trailblazing figure as the foremost woman, person of Asian heritage, and black individual in that position. She is now striving towards shattering those barriers at presidential level.
The ex-president conveyed to Harris that both Michelle and he take great pride in supporting her campaign, aiming to do whatever necessary for her victory and entrance into the Oval Office. The scene depicted shows Harris receiving the call while walking backstage at an event with a Secret Service agent following closely behind.
Michelle Obama expressed, “It’s impossible for me to proceed with this phone conversation without expressing my admiration towards Kamala. Girl, I am exceedingly proud of you.”
“Adding,” she exclaimed, “this is bound to be historic.”
Having known the Obamas prior to their election in 2008, Harris expressed gratitude for their friendship and eagerly anticipated accompanying them on a three-month campaign before Election Day on Nov. 5th – stating that she is excited to “get going” and hit the road with them.
“Isn’t it true that we are going to have some fun with this as well?” Harris asked.
The endorsement of Harris from the Obamas marks one of the final endorsements from major party figures, as it reflects former President Obama’s aspiration to uphold a position as a respected political figure above partisan conflicts. Despite this choice, both Michelle and Barack remain influential advocates for Democratic candidates across large-scale campaign events, attracting abundant fundraising support due to their widespread popularity.
Harris has already obtained the backing of most delegates to the Democratic National Convention, set to commence in Chicago on August 19th, as revealed by an Associated Press poll. The Democratic National Committee plans to conduct a digital nomination vote that would declare Harris and her unnamed running mate as the official Democratic ticket before August 7th.
After announcing his decision to end his campaign due to widespread concern about the 81-year-old president’s ability to defeat Trump, Biden quickly endorsed Harris within an hour on Sunday. This was followed by endorsements from prominent Democrats like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Minority Whip Jim Clyburn as well as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the days that followed.
While Harris was busy securing delegate commitments, reaching out to core Democratic groups and raising over $120 million, the Obamas proceeded with caution. This measured approach mirrors how Barack Obama navigated the weeks between Biden’s disastrous debate against Trump and his withdrawal fromthe race – keeping a certain presence in party activities while remaining low-profile.
Harris was not mentioned in Obama’s initial statement following Biden’s announcement. Instead, he spoke generally about finding a candidate to replace Biden: “I am fully confident that the party leaders will be able to develop a process that produces an exceptional nominee,” wrote the former president.
In 2016 and 2020, both Obamas actively campaigned for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden respectively. They even held massive rallies in the run-up to Election Day. Additionally, during the virtual Democratic convention of 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, they delivered crucial speeches. Of particular significance was Barack Obama’s address where he vehemently denounced Donald Trump as a menace to democracy – an allegation that is still present in Kamala Harris’ campaign today.
